US20190331260A1 - Cable Trough System - Google Patents
Cable Trough System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190331260A1 US20190331260A1 US15/962,689 US201815962689A US2019331260A1 US 20190331260 A1 US20190331260 A1 US 20190331260A1 US 201815962689 A US201815962689 A US 201815962689A US 2019331260 A1 US2019331260 A1 US 2019331260A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- trough system
- longitudinal length
- carrying surface
- extending
- underside
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 20
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010146 3D printing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003638 chemical reducing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/26—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting the pipes all along their length, e.g. pipe channels or ducts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/04—Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
- H02G3/0437—Channels
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
- F21S8/04—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures
- F21S8/046—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures having multiple lighting devices, e.g. connected to a common ceiling base
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
- F21V33/006—General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/02—Details
- H02G3/04—Protective tubing or conduits, e.g. cable ladders or cable troughs
- H02G3/0406—Details thereof
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G3/00—Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles
- H02G3/26—Installations of cables, lines, or separate protective tubing therefor directly on or in walls, ceilings, or floors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/0004—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship
- F16B5/0008—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge
- F16B5/0012—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge a tongue on the edge of one sheet, plate or panel co-operating with a groove in the edge of another sheet, plate or panel
- F16B5/0016—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge a tongue on the edge of one sheet, plate or panel co-operating with a groove in the edge of another sheet, plate or panel with snap action
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
- F21S8/04—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
- F21W2131/00—Use or application of lighting devices or systems not provided for in codes F21W2102/00-F21W2121/00
- F21W2131/40—Lighting for industrial, commercial, recreational or military use
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
- F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
- F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]
Definitions
- Optical fibers can be used to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances, with little or no signal degradation. For this reason, optical fibers have become widely used in the telecommunication field. As the use of optical fibers has increased, new systems have been developed for managing and organizing larger numbers of optical fibers.
- a trough system is used to route the fiber optic cables.
- the trough system is located overhead and over the location of the fiber optic racks, cabinets, and other equipment.
- the trough system in even a small telecommunications facility can be substantial, requiring significant time and expense to install.
- Some systems require tools for installation of the trough system, adding to the assembly time and expense.
- Even systems that do not require tools for installation of the system may require substantial planning to design the trough coupling system for a particular installation.
- the trough systems include members extending a longitudinal length and configured to attach coplanarly.
- the members have sides arranged to attach to each other coplanarly along the longitudinal length.
- the members may be coplanarly attached along the longitudinal length via a snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc. on site.
- the members are attached together to form the trough systems.
- one advantage of attaching individual members coplanarly along the longitudinal length to form the trough systems is that it provides for molding smaller individual members that quickly assemble into a large unit more easily than molding a single extrusion as a large unit.
- the individually molded members may be attached coplanarly along the longitudinal length to form a longitudinal trough system having a width of about 24 inches across or more, which is relatively more easy than extrusion molding a single longitudinal trough having a width of about 24 inches across or more.
- a section of a trough system is generally relatively much longer than the width thereof.
- a section of a trough system may extend 12 feet or longer, while the individual pieces that are assembled to form the section may be less than 12 inches in width.
- each section of the trough system may be less than one inch thick.
- conventional trough systems are frequently formed using a lightweight plastic material.
- a piece of a trough system (or any plastic object) having dimensions similar to those described above (e.g., ⁇ 12′ long x ⁇ 12′′ wide x ⁇ 1′′ thick) has a natural tendency to flex along the length thereof when not supported at regular intervals.
- a piece of a trough system having dimensions similar to those described above (e.g., ⁇ 12′ long x ⁇ 12′′ wide x ⁇ 1′′ thick) has a natural tendency to flex along the length thereof when not supported at regular intervals.
- the connection means implemented therein the assembly of two adjacent trough pieces is known to require at least two positioning steps to create a stable connection.
- a first step requires orienting a lateral side (i.e., in the length direction) of one trough piece with respect to an adjacent lateral side of another trough piece such that the respective x-y planes of the trough pieces intersect at an obtuse angle, where the x direction is the width and the y direction is the length of the trough pieces.
- This first orientation enables the opposing connection means to engage within preshaped entry locations on the lateral sides.
- the second step is to then allow the trough pieces to relax and lay coplanarly.
- the first step requires either multiple workers or an additional tool/instrument to support and hold the entire length of one of the trough pieces in the correct orientation to enable the connection means to engage properly before the trough piece is able to be relaxed.
- the conventional trough system is complicated to assemble.
- a trough system for routing connectivity cables includes a first member, a second member, and a third member.
- the first member may be in a plane and extend a longitudinal length for forming a first portion of a carrying surface of the trough system.
- the second member may be in the same plane and extend the longitudinal length for forming a second portion of the carrying surface of the trough system.
- the second member is configured to attach coplanarly to a first side of the first member.
- the third member may also be in the same plane and extend the longitudinal length for forming a third portion of the carrying surface of the trough system. Therefore, the third member is configured to attach coplanarly to a second side, opposite the first side, of the first member.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example trough system for routing connectivity cables in a telecommunication facility.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a section of the trough systems illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the section of the trough systems illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded assembly view of the section illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a detail view of an attachment of the first member and the second member of the trough system illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a section of the second member illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a cable management component disposed with the trough system illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates an example process of installing a trough system.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a coupler for coupling the trough systems illustrated in FIG. 1 to another trough system.
- the trough systems may include a plurality of members extending a longitudinal length and configured to attach coplanarly.
- the trough systems may include a first member extending a longitudinal length and a second member extending the longitudinal length, and the first and second members may be coplanarly attached along the longitudinal length via cooperating attachment features extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length along sides of the first and second members.
- a user may position the first member in a plane, position the second member in the same plane, and attach (e.g., snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc.), coplanarly, the first member to the second member.
- the trough systems for routing connectivity cables are quickly and easily assembled on site.
- the individual members may be attached coplanarly along the longitudinal length to form the trough system having a width of about 24 inches across or more, which is relatively more easy than extrusion molding a single longitudinal trough having a width of about 24 inches across or more.
- the trough systems may be located at any desired location, including overhead, below the floor, or at any location in between.
- the trough systems may be used to manage fibers other than optical fibers, such as wires, Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, and/or other signal carrying fibers, and may be used in any environment in which such fibers are used.
- this application describes trough systems that include individual members that attach along a longitudinal length to form a longitudinal trough system having a width of about 24 inches across, other widths are contemplated.
- the trough systems may include individual members that attach along a longitudinal length to form a longitudinal trough system having a width of about 36 inches across or more.
- the trough systems may include a first member in a plane and extend a longitudinal length for forming a first portion of a carrying surface of the trough system.
- a second member may be in the same plane and extends the longitudinal length.
- the second member may provide for forming a second portion of the carrying surface of the trough system, and the second member may be configured to attach coplanarly to a first side of the first member.
- a third member may be in the same plane and extends the longitudinal length.
- the third member may provide for forming a third portion of the carrying surface of the trough system, and the third member may be configured to attach coplanarly to a second side, opposite the first side, of the first member.
- the trough systems may include a first member including a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature, a second member including an attachment feature, and a third member including an attachment feature.
- the first and second attachment features of the first member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the first member.
- the attachment feature of the second member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the second member, and the attachment feature of the third member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the third member.
- the first attachment feature of the first member may attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the second member or attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the third member.
- the second attachment feature of the first member may attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the second member or attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the third member.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an example trough system 100 for routing connectivity cables in a telecommunication facility 102 .
- a user e.g., a technician
- a user may attach individual members 104 ( 1 ), 104 ( 2 ), 104 ( n ) in the same plane 106 (i.e., coplanarly) along a longitudinal length 108 to form the trough system 100 having a width 110 of about 24 inches across or more, to manage and organize the large numbers of connectivity cables in the telecommunication facility 102 . While FIG.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) having a length of about 6 feet along the longitudinal length 108 , the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) may have longer or shorter lengths than 12 feet. While FIG. 1 illustrates the trough system 100 including three individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ), the trough system 100 may have less than 3 individual members or more than 3 individual members. While the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) may be formed via extrusion, the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) may be formed via other manufacturing methods.
- the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) may be formed via additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing. Further, while the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) may be formed of plastic, the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) may be formed of other materials. For example, the individual members 104 ( 1 )- 104 ( n ) may be formed of metal, composite, fabric, wood, etc.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the trough system 100 may include a cable management component 112 .
- the trough system 100 may include a cable management component 112 having a passageway, and at least a portion of the passageway of the cable management component is disposed in the trough system proximate to a top of the trough system.
- the cable management component 112 may be a ramp for managing and organizing at least a portion of the large number of connectivity cables contained in the trough system 100 out of the trough system 100 to another location, to another piece of equipment 114 , to another trough system, etc. in the telecommunication facility 102 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates the cable management component 112 may be a ramp
- the cable management component 112 may be another cable management component.
- the cable management component 112 may comprise a reducer, a trumpet attachment, a T-junction, an off-ramp, a center drop, an elbow, an L-junction, an upsweep, a downsweep, etc.
- the trough system 100 may implement any of the cable management components, and any multiple of each of the plurality of cable management components, to provide a trough system that corresponds with the equipment configuration in a telecommunication facility in which the trough system is to be installed.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the trough system 100 may include a plurality of lights 116 disposed on an underside 118 of a carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100 .
- the plurality of lights 116 may be disposed in one or more channels extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 along the underside 118 of the carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100 (discussed in more detail below).
- the plurality of lights 116 may supplement or replace other lighting in the telecommunication facility 102 .
- the plurality of lights 116 may comprise an integrated light source such as a plurality of high-efficiency light emitting diodes (LEDs).
- LEDs high-efficiency light emitting diodes
- FIG. 1 illustrates the trough system 100 installed in the telecommunication facility 102
- the trough system 100 may be installed in a computing facility, a central office, a data center, a server room, a remote cell site, etc.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view 200 of a section 202 of the trough system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the first member 104 ( 1 ) may be in a plane 204 and extend the longitudinal length 108
- the second member 104 ( 2 ) may be in the same plane 204 and extend the longitudinal length 108
- the n th member 104 ( n ) may be in the same plane 204 and extend the longitudinal length 108 (e.g., the plane 204 being an x-y dimensional plane).
- the first member 104 ( 1 ) forming a first portion 206 ( 1 ) of the carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100
- the second member 104 ( 2 ) forming a second portion 206 ( 2 ) of the carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100
- the n th member 104 ( n ) forming an n th portion 206 ( n ) of the carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the second member 104 ( 2 ) configured to attach coplanarly to a first side 208 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ).
- the second member 104 ( 2 ) may a snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc. to the first side 208 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) while the second member 104 ( 2 ) positioned in the same plane 204 remains coplanar to the first member 104 ( 1 ) positioned in the same plane 204 .
- simplifying the assembly process by minimizing steps and difficulty of assembly compared to the conventional system.
- FIG. 2 illustrates the n th member 104 ( n ) configured to attach coplanarly to a second side 208 ( 2 ), opposite the first side 208 ( 1 ), of the first member 104 ( 1 ).
- the n th member 104 ( n ) may a snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc. to the second side 208 ( 2 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) while the n th member 104 ( n ) positioned in the same plane 204 remains coplanar to the first member 104 ( 1 ) positioned in the same plane 204 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the second member includes a side wall 210 extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108
- the third member includes a side wall 212 extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108
- FIG. 2 illustrates when the first, second, and n th members 104 ( 1 ), 104 ( 2 ), and 104 ( n ) are attached, the first, second and n th members 104 ( 1 ), 104 ( 2 ), and 104 ( n ) have a substantially U-shaped cross-section extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 .
- the side walls 210 and 212 providing for containing connectivity cables being routed through the trough system 100 .
- first, second, and n th members 104 ( 1 ), 104 ( 2 ), and 104 ( n ) are attached, the seam, joint, interface, etc. between the first member 104 ( 1 ) and the second member 104 ( 2 ), and the seam, joint, interface, etc. between the first member 104 ( 1 ) and the n th member 104 ( n ) are each relatively small to avoid pinching any portion of any of the connectivity cables being routed through the trough system 100 .
- each of the seam between the first member 104 ( 1 ) and the second member 104 ( 2 ) and the seam between the first member 104 ( 1 ) and the n th member 104 ( n ) have a gap smaller than a diameter of a single optical fiber to prevent any one of the optical fibers being routed through the trough system 100 from dropping into the gaps of the seams.
- a single optical fiber may have an outside diameter of about 0.04 inches and each of the seams may have a gap having size smaller than the outside diameter of about 0.04 inches to prevent any of the optical fiber from dropping into the gaps and being pinched by the seams.
- the relatively small seams provide for the carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100 to be relatively smooth and planar.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view 300 of the section 202 of the trough system 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a channel 302 may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 along the underside 118 of the second portion 206 ( 2 ) of the carrying surface 120 of the second member 104 ( 2 ).
- a plurality of lights may be disposed at least partially in the channel 302 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a channel 304 may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 along the underside 118 of the n th portion 206 ( n ) of the carrying surface 120 of the n th member 104 ( n ).
- a plurality of lights may be disposed at least partially in the channel 304 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates the first member 104 ( 1 ) not having a channel
- the first member 104 ( 1 ) may include a channel.
- a channel may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 along the underside 118 of the first portion 206 ( 1 ) of the carrying surface 120 of the first member 104 ( 1 ), and a plurality of lights may be disposed at least partially in the channel.
- the channels 302 and 304 may be recessed into the portions of the carrying surface of the second and n th members 104 ( 2 ) and 104 ( n ) and the plurality of lights may be disposed at least partially in the recessed channels 302 and 304 .
- each of the channels 302 and 304 may be defined by a pair of flanges protruding from the portions of the carrying surface of the second and n th members 104 ( 1 ) and 104 ( n ).
- FIG. 3 illustrates a channel 306 may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 along the underside 118 of the second portion 206 ( 2 ) of the carrying surface 120 of the second member 104 ( 2 ).
- the channel 306 may provide for a support member (not shown) to be attached to the at least one channel 306 (discussed in more detail below with regard to FIG. 7 ).
- FIG. 3 illustrates a channel 308 may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 along the underside 118 of the n th portion 206 ( n ) of the carrying surface 120 of the n th member 104 ( n ).
- the channel 308 may provide for a support member (not shown) to be attached to the channel 308 (discussed in more detail below with regard to FIG. 7 ).
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded assembly view 400 of the section 202 of the trough system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the first member 104 ( 1 ) may include a first attachment feature 402 ( 1 ) extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length and along the first side 208 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ).
- FIG. 4 illustrates the first member 104 ( 1 ) may include a second attachment feature 402 ( 2 ) extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 and along the second side 208 ( 2 ), opposite the first side 208 ( 1 ), of the first member 104 ( 1 ).
- FIG. 4 illustrates the second member 104 ( 2 ) may include an attachment feature 404 extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 and along a side 406 of the second member 104 ( 2 ).
- FIG. 3 illustrates the n th member 104 ( n ) may include an attachment feature 408 extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length 108 and along a side 410 of the n th member 104 ( n ).
- the first, second, third and fourth attachment features 402 ( 1 )- 402 ( 4 ) may provide for attaching the second member 104 ( 2 ) and the n th member 104 ( n ) to the first and second sides 208 ( 1 ) and 208 ( 2 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) coplanarly (as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2 ).
- first attachment feature 402 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) may be configured to attach coplanarly to the attachment feature 404 of the second member 104 ( 2 ), and the second attachment feature 402 ( 2 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) may be configured to attach coplanarly to the attachment feature 408 of the n th member 104 ( n ) for forming the carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100 .
- first attachment feature 402 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) may be configured to attach coplanarly to the attachment feature 408 of the n th member 104 ( n ), and the second attachment feature 402 ( 2 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) may be configured to attach coplanarly to the attachment feature 404 of the second member 104 ( 2 ) for forming the carrying surface 120 of the trough system 100 .
- the attachment features 402 ( 1 ), 402 ( 2 ), 404 , and 406 may be snap-fit features, interference-fit features, friction-fit features, press-fit features, etc. configured to attach the first member 104 ( 1 ), the second member 104 ( 2 ), and the n th member 104 ( n ) while the first member 104 ( 1 ), the second member 104 ( 2 ), and the n th member 104 ( n ) remain coplanar.
- first member 104 ( 1 ), the second member 104 ( 2 ), and the n th member 104 ( n ) may be pushed together, while in the same plane 204 , to snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, the first member 104 ( 1 ), the second member 104 ( 2 ), and the n th member 104 ( n ) in the same plane 204 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a detail view 500 of the attachment of the first attachment feature 402 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) and the attachment feature 404 of the second member 104 ( 2 ).
- FIG. 5 illustrates the first attachment feature 402 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) may include snap-fit members 502 ( 1 ) and 502 ( 2 ), and the attachment feature 404 of the second member 104 ( 2 ) may include cooperating snap-fit members 504 ( 1 ) and 504 ( 2 ).
- Snap-fit members 502 ( 1 ) and 504 ( 2 ) may include a lip 506 .
- Snap-fit members 502 ( 2 ) and 504 ( 1 ) may include hook edges 508 .
- the hook edges 508 of the snap-fit members 502 ( 2 ) and 504 ( 1 ) may engage with the lips 506 of the snap-fit members 502 ( 1 ) and 504 ( 2 ) to attach the first member 104 ( 1 ) to the second member 104 ( 2 ).
- Snap-fit members 502 ( 1 ) and 504 ( 2 ) may each include a narrow entry edge 510 .
- the narrow entry edge 510 of snap-fit member 502 ( 1 ) may provide for snap-fit member 502 ( 1 ) to pass between snap-fit members 504 ( 1 ) and 504 ( 2 ), and the narrow entry edge 510 of snap-fit member 504 ( 2 ) may provide for snap-fit member 504 ( 2 ) to pass between snap-fit members 502 ( 1 ) and 502 ( 2 ).
- FIG. 5 illustrates the snap-fit member 502 ( 1 ) cooperating with the snap-fit member 504 ( 1 ), and the snap-fit member 502 ( 2 ) cooperating with the snap-fit member 504 ( 2 ).
- the snap-fit member 504 ( 1 ) may deflect out of a resting position to experience a momentary displacement over the snap-fit member 502 ( 1 ) to be engaged.
- the snap-fit member 502 ( 2 ) may deflect out of a resting position to experience a momentary displacement over the snap-member 504 ( 2 ) to be engaged.
- the attachment of the second attachment feature 402 ( 2 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) with the attachment feature 408 of the n th member 104 ( n ) may be the same as the attachment of the first attachment feature 402 ( 1 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) and the attachment feature 404 of the second member 104 ( 2 ).
- the second attachment feature 402 ( 2 ) of the first member 104 ( 1 ) may include snap-fit members
- the attachment feature 408 of the n th member 104 ( n ) may include cooperating snap-fit members that coplanarly attach.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view 600 of a section 602 of the second member 104 ( 2 ) illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a top portion 604 of the side wall 210 of the second member 104 ( 2 ) may include a lip 606 .
- the lip 606 may include a beveled portion 608 extending from a surface 610 of the lip 606 to a surface 612 of the side wall 210 .
- the portion 608 extending from the surface 610 of the lip 606 to the surface 612 of the side wall 210 may simplify an additive manufacturing process for the trough system 100 .
- the portion 608 extending from the surface 610 of the lip 606 to the surface 612 of the side wall 210 may provide for supporting the overhang of the lip 606 while additively manufacturing the lip 606 of the side wall 210 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a side view 700 of the cable management component 112 having a passageway 702 , and at least a portion 704 of the passageway 702 of the cable management component 112 is disposed in the trough system 100 proximate to the top 604 of the trough system 100 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a support member 706 attached to the channel 302 of the second member 104 ( 2 ) and attached to an underside 708 of the cable management component 112 .
- the support member 706 may include a first member 710 slidably engaged with a second member 712 .
- the first member 710 of support member 706 may be engaged with the channel 302 and the second member 712 of the support member may slidably adjust up adjacent to the side wall 210 of the second member 104 ( 2 ) to attach the support member 706 to the second member 104 ( 2 ). Subsequent to attaching the support member 706 to the second member 104 ( 2 ), the cable management component 112 may be attached to the support member 706 such that the portion 704 of the passageway 702 of the cable management component 112 is disposed in the trough system 100 proximate to the top 604 of the trough system 100 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates an example process 800 of installing a trough system (e.g., trough system 100 ) for routing connectivity cables in a telecommunication facility (e.g., telecommunication facility 102 ).
- this process may be performed on site in the telecommunication facility.
- Process 800 includes operation 802 , which represents positioning a cable carrying surface of a first member (e.g., first member 104 ( 1 )) in a plane (e.g., plane 204 ).
- the first member extending a longitudinal length (e.g., longitudinal length 108 ) and forming a first portion (e.g., first portion 206 ( 1 )) of a carrying surface (e.g., carrying surface 120 ) of the trough system.
- Process 800 continues with operation 804 , which represents positioning a cable carrying surface of a second member (e.g., second member 104 ( 2 )) in the same plane.
- the second member extending the longitudinal length and forming a second portion (e.g., second portion 206 ( 2 )) of the carrying surface of the trough system.
- Process 800 continues with operation 806 , which represents attaching, coplanarly, the second member to a first side (e.g., first side 208 ( 1 )) of the first member.
- a first attachment feature e.g., first attachment feature 402 ( 1 )
- the attachment features may be snap-fit features, interference-fit features, friction-fit features, press-fit features, etc. configured to attach the first member and the second member while the first member and the second member remain coplanar.
- process 800 may continue with operation 808 , which represents positioning a cable carrying surface of a third member (e.g., n th member 104 ( n )) in the same plane.
- the third member extending the longitudinal length and forming a third portion (e.g., n th portion 206 ( n )) of the carrying surface of the trough system.
- Operation 808 may include attaching, coplanarly, the third member to a second side (e.g., second side 208 ( 2 )) of the first member.
- a second attachment feature (e.g., second attachment feature 402 ( 2 )) of the first member may attach coplanarly to an attachment feature (e.g., attachment feature 408 ) of the third member.
- the attachment features may be snap-fit features, interference-fit features, friction-fit features, press-fit features, etc. configured to attach the first member and the third member while the first member and the third member remain coplanar.
- process 800 may continue with operation 810 , which represents attaching a support member (e.g., support member 706 ) to a channel (e.g., channel 306 or channel 308 ).
- a support member e.g., support member 706
- a channel e.g., channel 306 or channel 308 .
- Process 800 may be completed with operation 812 , which represents attaching the support member to an underside (e.g., underside 708 ) of a cable management component (e.g., cable management component 112 ).
- the cable management component having a passageway (e.g., passageway 702 ), and at least a portion (e.g., portion 704 ) of the passageway of the cable management component is disposed in the trough system proximate to a top surface (e.g., top surface 604 ) of the trough system.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view 900 of a coupler 902 for coupling the trough system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 to another trough system.
- the coupler 902 may include a first portion 904 for coupling to an end of the trough system 100 and a second portion 906 for coupling to an end of another trough system different than the trough system 100 .
- the other trough system may have different features arranged in the walls of the other trough system, different sized walls, a different cross-sectional profile, etc.
- the second portion 906 of the coupler 902 may be configured to couple with the other trough system having these different features arranged in the walls of the other trough system, different sized walls, a different cross-sectional profile, etc.
- the first portion 904 of the coupler 902 may be configured to couple with the trough system 100 having different features arranged in the walls, different sized walls, a different cross-sectional profile, etc. than the other trough system 100 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates the first portion 904 and the second portion 906 of the coupler 902 may be formed of one piece of material (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, composite, etc.), the first portion 904 may be formed of a first piece of material and the second portion 906 may be formed of a second separate piece of material. While FIG. 9 illustrates the coupler 902 may be formed via additive manufacturing, the coupler 902 may be formed via machining (e.g., computer numerical control (CNC) machined), molded, assembly, etc.
- CNC computer numerical control
Abstract
Description
- Optical fibers can be used to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances, with little or no signal degradation. For this reason, optical fibers have become widely used in the telecommunication field. As the use of optical fibers has increased, new systems have been developed for managing and organizing larger numbers of optical fibers.
- In a typical telecommunications facility, a trough system is used to route the fiber optic cables. Generally, the trough system is located overhead and over the location of the fiber optic racks, cabinets, and other equipment. The trough system in even a small telecommunications facility can be substantial, requiring significant time and expense to install. Some systems require tools for installation of the trough system, adding to the assembly time and expense. Even systems that do not require tools for installation of the system may require substantial planning to design the trough coupling system for a particular installation.
- Making larger trough systems to accommodate the large numbers of optical fibers from a single molded part can be difficult. For example, making longitudinal trough members having a width of about 24 inches across or more can be difficult to mold in a single part with an extrusion.
- This Brief Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts relating to trough systems for routing connectivity cables (e.g., optical fibers) which are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- This disclosure relates to trough systems for routing connectivity cables that can be extrusion molded and assembled and disassembled quickly and easily. Generally, the trough systems include members extending a longitudinal length and configured to attach coplanarly. The members have sides arranged to attach to each other coplanarly along the longitudinal length. The members may be coplanarly attached along the longitudinal length via a snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc. on site. The members are attached together to form the trough systems. An advantage of such trough systems is that the trough systems provide improved manufacturability and improved ease of installation. For example, one advantage of attaching individual members coplanarly along the longitudinal length to form the trough systems is that it provides for molding smaller individual members that quickly assemble into a large unit more easily than molding a single extrusion as a large unit. For example, the individually molded members may be attached coplanarly along the longitudinal length to form a longitudinal trough system having a width of about 24 inches across or more, which is relatively more easy than extrusion molding a single longitudinal trough having a width of about 24 inches across or more.
- Furthermore, as trough systems are intended for carrying significant lengths of cable, the length of a section of a trough system is generally relatively much longer than the width thereof. For example, a section of a trough system may extend 12 feet or longer, while the individual pieces that are assembled to form the section may be less than 12 inches in width. Moreover, each section of the trough system may be less than one inch thick. In an effort to minimize cost and increase the speed of production, conventional trough systems are frequently formed using a lightweight plastic material. While plastic may be cheaper to manufacture, easier to use, and faster to produce the pieces, due to the material properties associated with plastic, a piece of a trough system (or any plastic object) having dimensions similar to those described above (e.g., ˜12′ long x˜12″ wide x˜1″ thick) has a natural tendency to flex along the length thereof when not supported at regular intervals. In a known conventional trough system having multiple pieces, due to the design of the connection means implemented therein, the assembly of two adjacent trough pieces is known to require at least two positioning steps to create a stable connection. A first step requires orienting a lateral side (i.e., in the length direction) of one trough piece with respect to an adjacent lateral side of another trough piece such that the respective x-y planes of the trough pieces intersect at an obtuse angle, where the x direction is the width and the y direction is the length of the trough pieces. This first orientation enables the opposing connection means to engage within preshaped entry locations on the lateral sides. The second step is to then allow the trough pieces to relax and lay coplanarly. However, because the trough pieces are plastic and are so long, the first step requires either multiple workers or an additional tool/instrument to support and hold the entire length of one of the trough pieces in the correct orientation to enable the connection means to engage properly before the trough piece is able to be relaxed. Thus, the conventional trough system is complicated to assemble.
- In an embodiment of the instant application, a trough system for routing connectivity cables includes a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member may be in a plane and extend a longitudinal length for forming a first portion of a carrying surface of the trough system. The second member may be in the same plane and extend the longitudinal length for forming a second portion of the carrying surface of the trough system. Thus, the second member is configured to attach coplanarly to a first side of the first member. The third member may also be in the same plane and extend the longitudinal length for forming a third portion of the carrying surface of the trough system. Therefore, the third member is configured to attach coplanarly to a second side, opposite the first side, of the first member.
- The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an example trough system for routing connectivity cables in a telecommunication facility. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a section of the trough systems illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the section of the trough systems illustrated inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded assembly view of the section illustrated inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a detail view of an attachment of the first member and the second member of the trough system illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a section of the second member illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a cable management component disposed with the trough system illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 illustrates an example process of installing a trough system. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a top perspective view of a coupler for coupling the trough systems illustrated inFIG. 1 to another trough system. - As noted above, making larger trough systems, to accommodate the large numbers of optical fibers, from a single molded part can be difficult, which may be particularly true for extruding a single molded trough, where the single molded trough has a width of about 24 inches across or more. This disclosure is directed to trough systems for routing connectivity cables that can be extrusion molded, and assembled and disassembled quickly and easily. The trough systems may include a plurality of members extending a longitudinal length and configured to attach coplanarly. For example, the trough systems may include a first member extending a longitudinal length and a second member extending the longitudinal length, and the first and second members may be coplanarly attached along the longitudinal length via cooperating attachment features extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length along sides of the first and second members. When coplanarly attaching the first member to the second member, for example, a user may position the first member in a plane, position the second member in the same plane, and attach (e.g., snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc.), coplanarly, the first member to the second member.
- In this way, the trough systems for routing connectivity cables are quickly and easily assembled on site. Moreover, and in this way, the individual members may be attached coplanarly along the longitudinal length to form the trough system having a width of about 24 inches across or more, which is relatively more easy than extrusion molding a single longitudinal trough having a width of about 24 inches across or more.
- While this application describes implementations that are described in the context of an overhead trough system for managing optical fibers in a telecommunications facility, the implementations described herein may be used in other environments and are applicable to other contexts. For example, the trough systems may be located at any desired location, including overhead, below the floor, or at any location in between. In addition, the trough systems may be used to manage fibers other than optical fibers, such as wires, Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, and/or other signal carrying fibers, and may be used in any environment in which such fibers are used. Moreover, while this application describes trough systems that include individual members that attach along a longitudinal length to form a longitudinal trough system having a width of about 24 inches across, other widths are contemplated. For example, the trough systems may include individual members that attach along a longitudinal length to form a longitudinal trough system having a width of about 36 inches across or more.
- The trough systems may include a first member in a plane and extend a longitudinal length for forming a first portion of a carrying surface of the trough system. A second member may be in the same plane and extends the longitudinal length. The second member may provide for forming a second portion of the carrying surface of the trough system, and the second member may be configured to attach coplanarly to a first side of the first member. A third member may be in the same plane and extends the longitudinal length. The third member may provide for forming a third portion of the carrying surface of the trough system, and the third member may be configured to attach coplanarly to a second side, opposite the first side, of the first member.
- The trough systems may include a first member including a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature, a second member including an attachment feature, and a third member including an attachment feature. The first and second attachment features of the first member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the first member. The attachment feature of the second member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the second member, and the attachment feature of the third member may extend at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the third member. The first attachment feature of the first member may attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the second member or attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the third member. The second attachment feature of the first member may attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the second member or attach coplanarly to the attachment feature of the third member.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates anexample trough system 100 for routing connectivity cables in atelecommunication facility 102. A user (e.g., a technician) may install thetrough system 100 in thetelecommunication facility 102 for managing and organizing large numbers of connectivity cables (e.g., optical fibers) in thetelecommunication facility 102. For example, a user may attach individual members 104(1), 104(2), 104(n) in the same plane 106 (i.e., coplanarly) along alongitudinal length 108 to form thetrough system 100 having a width 110 of about 24 inches across or more, to manage and organize the large numbers of connectivity cables in thetelecommunication facility 102. WhileFIG. 1 illustrates the individual members 104(1)-104(n) having a length of about 6 feet along thelongitudinal length 108, the individual members 104(1)-104(n) may have longer or shorter lengths than 12 feet. WhileFIG. 1 illustrates thetrough system 100 including three individual members 104(1)-104(n), thetrough system 100 may have less than 3 individual members or more than 3 individual members. While the individual members 104(1)-104(n) may be formed via extrusion, the individual members 104(1)-104(n) may be formed via other manufacturing methods. For example, the individual members 104(1)-104(n) may be formed via additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing. Further, while the individual members 104(1)-104(n) may be formed of plastic, the individual members 104(1)-104(n) may be formed of other materials. For example, the individual members 104(1)-104(n) may be formed of metal, composite, fabric, wood, etc. -
FIG. 1 illustrates thetrough system 100 may include acable management component 112. For example, thetrough system 100 may include acable management component 112 having a passageway, and at least a portion of the passageway of the cable management component is disposed in the trough system proximate to a top of the trough system. Thecable management component 112 may be a ramp for managing and organizing at least a portion of the large number of connectivity cables contained in thetrough system 100 out of thetrough system 100 to another location, to another piece ofequipment 114, to another trough system, etc. in thetelecommunication facility 102. - While
FIG. 1 illustrates thecable management component 112 may be a ramp, thecable management component 112 may be another cable management component. For example, thecable management component 112 may comprise a reducer, a trumpet attachment, a T-junction, an off-ramp, a center drop, an elbow, an L-junction, an upsweep, a downsweep, etc. Thetrough system 100 may implement any of the cable management components, and any multiple of each of the plurality of cable management components, to provide a trough system that corresponds with the equipment configuration in a telecommunication facility in which the trough system is to be installed. -
FIG. 1 illustrates thetrough system 100 may include a plurality oflights 116 disposed on anunderside 118 of a carryingsurface 120 of thetrough system 100. For example, the plurality oflights 116 may be disposed in one or more channels extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 along theunderside 118 of the carryingsurface 120 of the trough system 100 (discussed in more detail below). The plurality oflights 116 may supplement or replace other lighting in thetelecommunication facility 102. The plurality oflights 116 may comprise an integrated light source such as a plurality of high-efficiency light emitting diodes (LEDs). - While
FIG. 1 illustrates thetrough system 100 installed in thetelecommunication facility 102, thetrough system 100 may be installed in a computing facility, a central office, a data center, a server room, a remote cell site, etc. -
FIG. 2 illustrates atop perspective view 200 of asection 202 of thetrough system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 .FIG. 2 illustrates the first member 104(1) may be in aplane 204 and extend thelongitudinal length 108, the second member 104(2) may be in thesame plane 204 and extend thelongitudinal length 108, and the nth member 104(n) may be in thesame plane 204 and extend the longitudinal length 108 (e.g., theplane 204 being an x-y dimensional plane). The first member 104(1) forming a first portion 206(1) of the carryingsurface 120 of thetrough system 100, the second member 104(2) forming a second portion 206(2) of the carryingsurface 120 of thetrough system 100, and the nth member 104(n) forming an nth portion 206(n) of the carryingsurface 120 of thetrough system 100. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the second member 104(2) configured to attach coplanarly to a first side 208(1) of the first member 104(1). For example, the second member 104(2) may a snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc. to the first side 208(1) of the first member 104(1) while the second member 104(2) positioned in thesame plane 204 remains coplanar to the first member 104(1) positioned in thesame plane 204. Thus, simplifying the assembly process by minimizing steps and difficulty of assembly compared to the conventional system. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the nth member 104(n) configured to attach coplanarly to a second side 208(2), opposite the first side 208(1), of the first member 104(1). For example, the nth member 104(n) may a snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, etc. to the second side 208(2) of the first member 104(1) while the nth member 104(n) positioned in thesame plane 204 remains coplanar to the first member 104(1) positioned in thesame plane 204. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the second member includes aside wall 210 extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108, and the third member includes aside wall 212 extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108.FIG. 2 illustrates when the first, second, and nth members 104(1), 104(2), and 104(n) are attached, the first, second and nth members 104(1), 104(2), and 104(n) have a substantially U-shaped cross-section extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108. Theside walls trough system 100. - When the first, second, and nth members 104(1), 104(2), and 104(n) are attached, the seam, joint, interface, etc. between the first member 104(1) and the second member 104(2), and the seam, joint, interface, etc. between the first member 104(1) and the nth member 104(n) are each relatively small to avoid pinching any portion of any of the connectivity cables being routed through the
trough system 100. For example, the each of the seam between the first member 104(1) and the second member 104(2) and the seam between the first member 104(1) and the nth member 104(n) have a gap smaller than a diameter of a single optical fiber to prevent any one of the optical fibers being routed through thetrough system 100 from dropping into the gaps of the seams. In one example, a single optical fiber may have an outside diameter of about 0.04 inches and each of the seams may have a gap having size smaller than the outside diameter of about 0.04 inches to prevent any of the optical fiber from dropping into the gaps and being pinched by the seams. The relatively small seams provide for the carryingsurface 120 of thetrough system 100 to be relatively smooth and planar. -
FIG. 3 illustrates abottom perspective view 300 of thesection 202 of thetrough system 100 illustrated inFIG. 2 .FIG. 3 illustrates achannel 302 may extend at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 along theunderside 118 of the second portion 206(2) of the carryingsurface 120 of the second member 104(2). A plurality of lights (not shown) may be disposed at least partially in thechannel 302.FIG. 3 illustrates achannel 304 may extend at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 along theunderside 118 of the nth portion 206(n) of the carryingsurface 120 of the nth member 104(n). A plurality of lights (not shown) may be disposed at least partially in thechannel 304. WhileFIG. 3 illustrates the first member 104(1) not having a channel, the first member 104(1) may include a channel. For example, a channel may extend at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 along theunderside 118 of the first portion 206(1) of the carryingsurface 120 of the first member 104(1), and a plurality of lights may be disposed at least partially in the channel. - In one example, the
channels channels channels -
FIG. 3 illustrates achannel 306 may extend at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 along theunderside 118 of the second portion 206(2) of the carryingsurface 120 of the second member 104(2). Thechannel 306 may provide for a support member (not shown) to be attached to the at least one channel 306 (discussed in more detail below with regard toFIG. 7 ).FIG. 3 illustrates achannel 308 may extend at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 along theunderside 118 of the nth portion 206(n) of the carryingsurface 120 of the nth member 104(n). Thechannel 308 may provide for a support member (not shown) to be attached to the channel 308 (discussed in more detail below with regard toFIG. 7 ). -
FIG. 4 illustrates an explodedassembly view 400 of thesection 202 of thetrough system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 .FIG. 4 illustrates the first member 104(1) may include a first attachment feature 402(1) extending at least a portion of the longitudinal length and along the first side 208(1) of the first member 104(1).FIG. 4 illustrates the first member 104(1) may include a second attachment feature 402(2) extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 and along the second side 208(2), opposite the first side 208(1), of the first member 104(1). -
FIG. 4 illustrates the second member 104(2) may include anattachment feature 404 extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 and along aside 406 of the second member 104(2).FIG. 3 illustrates the nth member 104(n) may include anattachment feature 408 extending at least a portion of thelongitudinal length 108 and along aside 410 of the nth member 104(n). - The first, second, third and fourth attachment features 402(1)-402(4) may provide for attaching the second member 104(2) and the nth member 104(n) to the first and second sides 208(1) and 208(2) of the first member 104(1) coplanarly (as discussed above with respect to
FIG. 2 ). For example, the first attachment feature 402(1) of the first member 104(1) may be configured to attach coplanarly to theattachment feature 404 of the second member 104(2), and the second attachment feature 402(2) of the first member 104(1) may be configured to attach coplanarly to theattachment feature 408 of the nth member 104(n) for forming the carryingsurface 120 of thetrough system 100. In another example, the first attachment feature 402(1) of the first member 104(1) may be configured to attach coplanarly to theattachment feature 408 of the nth member 104(n), and the second attachment feature 402(2) of the first member 104(1) may be configured to attach coplanarly to theattachment feature 404 of the second member 104(2) for forming the carryingsurface 120 of thetrough system 100. - The attachment features 402(1), 402(2), 404, and 406 may be snap-fit features, interference-fit features, friction-fit features, press-fit features, etc. configured to attach the first member 104(1), the second member 104(2), and the nth member 104(n) while the first member 104(1), the second member 104(2), and the nth member 104(n) remain coplanar. For example, the first member 104(1), the second member 104(2), and the nth member 104(n) may be pushed together, while in the
same plane 204, to snap-fit, interference-fit, friction-fit, press-fit, the first member 104(1), the second member 104(2), and the nth member 104(n) in thesame plane 204. -
FIG. 5 illustrates adetail view 500 of the attachment of the first attachment feature 402(1) of the first member 104(1) and theattachment feature 404 of the second member 104(2).FIG. 5 illustrates the first attachment feature 402(1) of the first member 104(1) may include snap-fit members 502(1) and 502(2), and theattachment feature 404 of the second member 104(2) may include cooperating snap-fit members 504(1) and 504(2). Snap-fit members 502(1) and 504(2) may include alip 506. Snap-fit members 502(2) and 504(1) may include hook edges 508. The hook edges 508 of the snap-fit members 502(2) and 504(1) may engage with thelips 506 of the snap-fit members 502(1) and 504(2) to attach the first member 104(1) to the second member 104(2). Snap-fit members 502(1) and 504(2) may each include anarrow entry edge 510. Thenarrow entry edge 510 of snap-fit member 502(1) may provide for snap-fit member 502(1) to pass between snap-fit members 504(1) and 504(2), and thenarrow entry edge 510 of snap-fit member 504(2) may provide for snap-fit member 504(2) to pass between snap-fit members 502(1) and 502(2).FIG. 5 illustrates the snap-fit member 502(1) cooperating with the snap-fit member 504(1), and the snap-fit member 502(2) cooperating with the snap-fit member 504(2). When the attachment feature 402(1) of the first member 104(1) and theattachment feature 404 of the second member 104(2) are pushed together to be coplanarly attached, the snap-fit member 504(1) may deflect out of a resting position to experience a momentary displacement over the snap-fit member 502(1) to be engaged. Similarly, when the attachment feature 402(1) of the first member 104(1) and theattachment feature 404 of the second member 104(2) are coplanarly attached, the snap-fit member 502(2) may deflect out of a resting position to experience a momentary displacement over the snap-member 504(2) to be engaged. - The attachment of the second attachment feature 402(2) of the first member 104(1) with the
attachment feature 408 of the nth member 104(n) may be the same as the attachment of the first attachment feature 402(1) of the first member 104(1) and theattachment feature 404 of the second member 104(2). For example, the second attachment feature 402(2) of the first member 104(1) may include snap-fit members, and theattachment feature 408 of the nth member 104(n) may include cooperating snap-fit members that coplanarly attach. -
FIG. 6 illustrates aside view 600 of asection 602 of the second member 104(2) illustrated inFIG. 1 .FIG. 6 illustrates atop portion 604 of theside wall 210 of the second member 104(2) may include alip 606. Thelip 606 may include abeveled portion 608 extending from asurface 610 of thelip 606 to asurface 612 of theside wall 210. Theportion 608 extending from thesurface 610 of thelip 606 to thesurface 612 of theside wall 210 may simplify an additive manufacturing process for thetrough system 100. For example, theportion 608 extending from thesurface 610 of thelip 606 to thesurface 612 of theside wall 210 may provide for supporting the overhang of thelip 606 while additively manufacturing thelip 606 of theside wall 210. -
FIG. 7 illustrates aside view 700 of thecable management component 112 having apassageway 702, and at least aportion 704 of thepassageway 702 of thecable management component 112 is disposed in thetrough system 100 proximate to the top 604 of thetrough system 100.FIG. 7 illustrates asupport member 706 attached to thechannel 302 of the second member 104(2) and attached to anunderside 708 of thecable management component 112. Thesupport member 706 may include afirst member 710 slidably engaged with asecond member 712. Thefirst member 710 ofsupport member 706 may be engaged with thechannel 302 and thesecond member 712 of the support member may slidably adjust up adjacent to theside wall 210 of the second member 104(2) to attach thesupport member 706 to the second member 104(2). Subsequent to attaching thesupport member 706 to the second member 104(2), thecable management component 112 may be attached to thesupport member 706 such that theportion 704 of thepassageway 702 of thecable management component 112 is disposed in thetrough system 100 proximate to the top 604 of thetrough system 100. -
FIG. 8 illustrates anexample process 800 of installing a trough system (e.g., trough system 100) for routing connectivity cables in a telecommunication facility (e.g., telecommunication facility 102). By way of example and not limitation, this process may be performed on site in the telecommunication facility. -
Process 800 includesoperation 802, which represents positioning a cable carrying surface of a first member (e.g., first member 104(1)) in a plane (e.g., plane 204). The first member extending a longitudinal length (e.g., longitudinal length 108) and forming a first portion (e.g., first portion 206(1)) of a carrying surface (e.g., carrying surface 120) of the trough system. -
Process 800 continues withoperation 804, which represents positioning a cable carrying surface of a second member (e.g., second member 104(2)) in the same plane. The second member extending the longitudinal length and forming a second portion (e.g., second portion 206(2)) of the carrying surface of the trough system. -
Process 800 continues withoperation 806, which represents attaching, coplanarly, the second member to a first side (e.g., first side 208(1)) of the first member. For example, a first attachment feature (e.g., first attachment feature 402(1)) of the first member may attach coplanarly to an attachment feature (e.g., attachment feature 404) of the second member. For example, the attachment features may be snap-fit features, interference-fit features, friction-fit features, press-fit features, etc. configured to attach the first member and the second member while the first member and the second member remain coplanar. - In one example,
process 800 may continue withoperation 808, which represents positioning a cable carrying surface of a third member (e.g., nth member 104(n)) in the same plane. The third member extending the longitudinal length and forming a third portion (e.g., nth portion 206(n)) of the carrying surface of the trough system.Operation 808 may include attaching, coplanarly, the third member to a second side (e.g., second side 208(2)) of the first member. For example, a second attachment feature (e.g., second attachment feature 402(2)) of the first member may attach coplanarly to an attachment feature (e.g., attachment feature 408) of the third member. For example, the attachment features may be snap-fit features, interference-fit features, friction-fit features, press-fit features, etc. configured to attach the first member and the third member while the first member and the third member remain coplanar. - In another example,
process 800 may continue withoperation 810, which represents attaching a support member (e.g., support member 706) to a channel (e.g.,channel 306 or channel 308). -
Process 800 may be completed withoperation 812, which represents attaching the support member to an underside (e.g., underside 708) of a cable management component (e.g., cable management component 112). The cable management component having a passageway (e.g., passageway 702), and at least a portion (e.g., portion 704) of the passageway of the cable management component is disposed in the trough system proximate to a top surface (e.g., top surface 604) of the trough system. - While this application describes implementations that are described in the context of a three-part assembly (e.g., three members) that connects in a coplanar manner, there may be only a two-part assembly (e.g., two members) that connects in a coplanar manner.
-
FIG. 9 illustrates atop perspective view 900 of acoupler 902 for coupling thetrough system 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 to another trough system. For example, thecoupler 902 may include afirst portion 904 for coupling to an end of thetrough system 100 and asecond portion 906 for coupling to an end of another trough system different than thetrough system 100. For example, the other trough system may have different features arranged in the walls of the other trough system, different sized walls, a different cross-sectional profile, etc. than thetrough system 100, and thesecond portion 906 of thecoupler 902 may be configured to couple with the other trough system having these different features arranged in the walls of the other trough system, different sized walls, a different cross-sectional profile, etc. Similarly, thefirst portion 904 of thecoupler 902 may be configured to couple with thetrough system 100 having different features arranged in the walls, different sized walls, a different cross-sectional profile, etc. than theother trough system 100. - While
FIG. 9 illustrates thefirst portion 904 and thesecond portion 906 of thecoupler 902 may be formed of one piece of material (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, composite, etc.), thefirst portion 904 may be formed of a first piece of material and thesecond portion 906 may be formed of a second separate piece of material. WhileFIG. 9 illustrates thecoupler 902 may be formed via additive manufacturing, thecoupler 902 may be formed via machining (e.g., computer numerical control (CNC) machined), molded, assembly, etc. - Although the invention has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the invention. For example, while embodiments are described having certain shapes, sizes, and configurations, these shapes, sizes, and configurations are merely illustrative.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/962,689 US20190331260A1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2018-04-25 | Cable Trough System |
PCT/US2019/028970 WO2019209985A1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2019-04-24 | Cable trough system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/962,689 US20190331260A1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2018-04-25 | Cable Trough System |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20190331260A1 true US20190331260A1 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
Family
ID=68292144
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/962,689 Abandoned US20190331260A1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2018-04-25 | Cable Trough System |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20190331260A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019209985A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD887992S1 (en) | 2018-04-25 | 2020-06-23 | Telect, Inc. | Cable trough attachment assembly |
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Also Published As
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WO2019209985A1 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
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